SACKVILLE, N.B. – Sackville’s finances continue to be in good shape with the town posting yet another surplus at the end of 2013.

The town’s annual audit, which was presented and approved during June’s monthly council meeting, showed that once again the municipality ended another year with money in the bank, a feat that has been achieved for 17 years running.

The town posted a $49,134 surplus in its general operating budget, accomplished thanks to a number of factors, said Sackville treasurer Michael Beal.

“This was accomplished by reduced expenses in various departments and capital projects coming in under budget,” said Beal.

The town saved significantly on staffing costs in 2013, as several vacant senior management positions were only recently filled.

As well, revenue was also up in several areas, mainly as a result of higher building permits than expected, unexpected grants, and higher swim program returns.

“There is a balancing act that does go on,” said Beal of the budget planning that goes on throughout the year, to ensure expenses are limited and revenue is in line with what was anticipated to be spent.

Because the town was able to keep its expenses down in 2013, the municipality also didn’t need to dip into its reserve funds as was expected.

“We had originally allocated $375,000 to come out of the general capital reserve to pay for capital expenses last year but during 2013 we did not need to withdraw any from this fund,” said Beal.

He said this will help the town continue on the right path in respect to its long-term debt reduction program.

The town also posted a surplus in its utility fund of $9,284 for 2013. This surplus comes even with less revenue trickling in as residents cut back on their metered water usage.

Expenses in utility were saved in the area of staffing, lower-than expected costs operating the water treatment plant, and reduced costs for powering the lift stations/

The surpluses will be carried forward as revenue with their budgets for 2015.

Copies of the audit are available at town hall or on the town of Sackville website.

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This is good news. Maybe the town can share how they do it with with all the government basket cases. Some of the basket cases include Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick as well as the US, France, Spain, Greece, Ireland and many more. Someone should ask Maclean's to do an article on this.